5 buildings that reach the clouds

It’s a very majestic moment every time… Even though you’ve already been to places very similar to this (because really, the panoramas of cities do not vary from each other that much), it is impossible to stop the internal wave of admiration at the magnitude of what you are witnessing. At the same time, it makes the person feel so incredibly tiny and not very meaningful. As if he was just a comma in this entire encyclopedia that is the world. In one very short second, the most abstract moments in life begin to have meaning and come to us so suddenly, that even we ourselves are surprised.

There are people for whom entering the last floor of the world’s tallest buildings is cliche. But nobody can tell me that they went up, looked at a bustling metropolis to the horizon itself, and that this sight did not take their breath away for even a second … You will never hear this from me. You will read about the most spectacular places where you can lose yourself for a moment, wandering with your head in the clouds. Literally.

Empire State Building, New York City

I will begin my journey through these architectural miracles from the most famous symbols that practically each one of us can recognize. In this case, it is also one of my favorite places (I love New York City!) – the Empire State Building. Although this one built in 1931 is no longer a record holder, the 440 meter building is a true legend among skyscrapers. Anyone who, like me, loves to look at cityscapes from high above, can choose one of two options to admire New York City. The viewing terraces are located on the 86th and 102nd floors. As a fun fact, I will add that this building now houses the offices of over a thousand companies and institutions, which together employ about 21 thousand people. It is no wonder then that the Empire State Building has its own post code.

Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai

Someone who is not passionate about skyscrapers and does not like to look at cities from staggering heights may not recognize this building. Nevertheless, it is worth acknowledging because it really has a lot to offer. Jin Mao Tower is currently the 2nd tallest building in China. It also holds the 5th place in the world by the height of the roof and 7th in the height of the spire. Its elaborate but at the same time, sturdy mass can incite admiration. An unusual solution that gives this tower its uniqueness is certainly the octagonal shape of the core of the building. This kind of structure makes it possible for this building to withstand the typhoon winds of up to 200 km/h.

Pudong by night – lovely (fot. Mgmoscatello, CC BY-SA 3.0)

It is worth adding that it is a structure adapted not only for tourists wishing to admire the views but also to rest. On the last floor, the 88th, there is an observation deck known as the Skywalk, and on floors 53 to 87, a luxurious hotel with very well-equipped rooms. I still need to check off an overnight stay here 😉

Willis Tower, Chicago

We are returning to the United States. Here, we still have the Willis Tower, which is also worthy of attention. It is a skyscraper 442.3 meters tall with 108 floors. It is then the tallest building in North America, measuring to the line of the roof. Why should you visit it? There are at least two good reasons. First of all, for a great view: from the top floors, there is a magnificent view of not only the city, but also of Lake Michigan. It’s amazing! The second is a decent dose of sky-high adrenaline. For the past few years, admirers of extreme experiences can enter glass balconies that are attached to the observation deck. Thanks to this, they can look at Chicago not only before their eyes, but also beneath their feet. Something perfect for those who enjoy extreme experiences. So, among others, for me 🙂

Beautiful view! (fot. By Daniel Schwen – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur

This structure does not have to be introduced to anyone. These twin (although interestingly enough, built by two different construction companies) towers, measuring 452 meters high, are worthy of a visit mainly because of the connecting bridge, which serves as a passage from one tower to the other. Although it is “just” at the height of the 41st and 42nd floors, that is 170 meters, it makes a great impression and is willingly visited by tourists.

Pretty twins! (fot. Luke Watson, CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Fortunately, there are no problems with the entrance to the famous bridge. It is available daily for visitors from 8.00 until 16.30. You enter onto the bridge in groups of a dozen or so people, and then you have about 15 minutes to admire the structure of the building and gorgeous views.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

And finally, the building that makes the biggest impression. Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world. It is an absolute masterpiece of architecture, perfectly combining not only a dizzying 828 meter height, but also modernity, improbable technological solutions, as well as innovation. It’s enough to mention, for example, the lift which travels along with a staggering speed of 10 meters per second! In spite of this, there is no overwhelming feeling while you are inside, not to mention the speed.

The skyscraper, which was originally supposed to be called Burj Dubai, was built relatively recently – the building was completed on January 4, 2010. Despite this, it has permanently entered Dubai’s landscape and the dreams of people who adore skyscrapers. At an altitude of almost 500 meters there are observation decks that allow us to view the 360 degree panorama of this modern and monumental city. It’s really worth a visit!